I’ve always loved the garments made by this company, SWIRL, and this one is no exception. It may not be as old as some of the ones I own, but still has the ’60’s – ’70’s applique’ and the great styling.
Like some other things (the dresses I just came up with . . . . .), you can never have too many . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Yes, I’m back at Headquarters now – unpacking and taking care of business. Although these finds are out-of-season right now, despite the heat, I like to show brand-new discoveries ASAP.
What makes these worthy of my closet? The styles are simple, but the vintage fabrics are REALLY NICE. Also, the hand-done tailoring touches, like a full lining, well-cut facings and hem allowances make them special garments.
I always pick up pieces of exceptional quality. They are rare treasure, not seen in the marketplace today. Stay tuned for more . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I’ll be showing highlights of my vintage jewelry collection, along with the shoes and dresses. Here are three pieces which were very characteristic of the Sixties decade.
Enameled pins were very popular – especially in flower shapes. Also, large pendants that hung to the chest were a big thing.
The pin is not marked, nor is the middle pendant but I think that the chain which came with it said it was by Trifari. The gold-color pendant with chain is by Sarah Coventry. Modernistic shapes were really popular.
Any one of these really sparks up an outfit and gives it a mod, mid-sixties flair.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
GIRLY, GIRLY, GIRLY FLORAL DRESS FROM ABOUT 1970
See the similarities to the dress shown yesterday, from Canada? Yes, the siren call of Fashion was making slaves of us all on both sides of the Atlantic. All over the world, women who were able to follow the latest trends were rushing to wear this 1940’s retro style. Even though Paris was slow to be corrupted, it happened.
The thought of it kind of ruins your day, doesn’t it? Well, thankfully we’ve now reached the era when we can wear whatever suits our fancy without worrying about whether we’re up-to-date. Because, if we develop our own unique, personal look, we will be very fashionable (and who cares, anyway)!
This dress was probably custom-tailored, too. We’re still in polyester (of course), but not in a knit. This is a woven fabric with a much lighter hand and a woven-in stripe for texture and eye appeal. Same prim collar, fussy trim, puffed sleeve, nipped waist and swing skirt. It’s also a little more sophisticated than yesterday’s frock – less of a rockabilly feel.
Still not haute couture, by any means. And, like all the “newer” garments, it carries the stamp of international trends and fabrics that take away from it’s Parisian roots. That’s one reason that I always prefer clothing from the early 1960’s and before. But, if you have to go with something made later, why not choose something from Paris? Tomorrow, we’re off to Ireland . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
EARLY 1970’S RETRO-STYLE SHIRTWAIST DRESS
I’m dodging out of Paris and into Canada for one day because of today’s find. In my favorite brown and blue combo, a custom-tailored poly frock from the early 1970’s that rocks the 1940’s vibe.
I’m impressed with how well the tailor set these ruffles on the collar and sleeves. It testifies to some expertise. i’m not so much into ruffles, personally, but I adore swing skirts!
A simple dress but definitely from that time about 1973 when lots of cutesy ’40’s style elements were coming out in popular clothing. I so love being able to date a garment very closely like this. That makes it extra special. It’s a perfect fit for Giselle, too. We’ll go back to Paris in the same time-frame tomorrow . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
What a surprise! At a party where we all contributed “white elephant” gifts, guess what turned up? After some swapping, this was one of my prizes. True vintage decorated tote bag or purse from the 1960’s/’70’s. Near mint condition.
How do I know it’s original vintage? 1. the style 2. the types of decoration used 3. the construction 4. in this case, some minor signs of age.
How do I know where it (probably) came from? The Cardinal and the Dogwood are the official state bird and flower of North Carolina. Eat your heart out, Sherlock.
It’s so beautifully done. Love the colors. Fun!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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Spring flowers abound on this breezy semi-formal dress from the 1960’s. It is lined, but I think that originally a stiff a-line petticoat would have been worn underneath – probably with a crinoline to hold its shape.
However, the print is casual, so the petticoat could no doubt be omitted for an informal party. So up-beat for Easter doings, though a little jacket or warm shawl would also look pretty if it’s cool.
Empire waistline styling with a simple back zip. Although I adore the elegance of the Fifties and before, sometimes the extra simplicity of fashions that took over in the Sixties is refreshing – certainly easier for a quick costume change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
In the midst of my series of mid-century finds, lets take a little break for the latest discovery. I was out sleuthing the other day when I spied this. Although it’s not the type of thing I usually get excited about, because so many cheap imitations have been made over the past 10 years or so, I liked the quality of the knit fabric and the fact that it was home-sewn. So, I picked it up . . . . .
Thinking it would be too small for me and I’d just have to end up selling it or giving it away, I slipped it on and – WHOA! – it fits me perfectly and it’s really cute! Maybe some teenager made this in Home Economics class back in the 1960’s (when they were still offering that in schools). Kind of a cross between a bomber and a bolero style – it’s a simple-sew item that would have been an intermediate pattern for someone learning how to set in sleeves.
Originally, it would have had a matching print skirt or slacks – or maybe a sheath dress in one of the solid colors in the print. Alas, those pieces are long gone, but I’ll enjoy wearing it with my turquoise jeans or my regular jeans until an alternative comes up. Won’t be one of my prized true vintage possessions, but it may be a go-to super casual jacket on cool-weather days when I’m just out and about.
A little variety is always the spice . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Unbelievable! This beautiful fitted blouse in lovely smooth rayon was a “QUEEN” size in the mid-sixties. It’s labeled as a 13/14 but it fits me with a little extra room in the bust – and I wear a modern size 4.
Who cares, right?! It’s got all the lovely features of true vintage tailored items, with extra seam allowance and nice darting to enhance the fit. Love the print, the long sleeves and oh-so-Sixties roll collar.
Another unusual discovery and, wait, there’ll be more . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
MID-SIXTIES, MOD, FLOWER POWER SHIRT JACKET. TRUE VINTAGE FOR COOL NIGHTS
While it’s still warm, but the nights are getting cooler, I’ll be showing some light jackets. This one is from the ’60’s in a kind of fantasy floral print – not psychedelic, but a little abstract. Flower Power ruled! I love the colors in this and the nice, easy but chic fit.
The poly/rayon/whatever fabric that was often used then shouldn’t automatically be thrown in the washer like we tend to do with everything now. The label on this jacket says that it also needs the care of spot-cleaning or dry-cleaning, but I’ve still found it easy-wear. Just a little extra care does the trick.
Don’t panic! There are simple ways to deal with this. I have lots of items that can’t be machine washed, but I hardly EVER have to go to a dry-cleaner (can’t remember the last time). Not dissing them – they are a god-send when you…
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